Ayo Edebiri’s ‘Silly Goofy Time’ Turns Serious as Elon Musk Feud Sparks Racism and Death Threats
In a whirlwind of social media drama, The Bear star Ayo Edebiri has opened up about the fallout from a bizarre online incident involving none other than Elon Musk. What started as a lighthearted reflection on a fake Pirates of the Caribbean casting rumor quickly turned dark, with Edebiri revealing she faced a torrent of racism and death threats after Musk amplified the false claim.
The Emmy-winning actress took to Instagram this week to recount the ordeal, which she described as one of the “top 3” moments of her life for receiving “insane death threats and racial slurs.” The catalyst? A now-debunked post suggesting Edebiri was being considered to replace Johnny Depp in a new Pirates film—a rumor Musk seemingly endorsed with a blunt “Disney sucks” comment on X (formerly Twitter).
From Fake News to Real Consequences
Edebiri’s Instagram story shed light on the unintended consequences of Musk’s offhand remark. “Just remembering when I got some of the most insane death threats and racial slurs of my life… for a fake reboot of a movie I had never even heard of because of this man,” she wrote, referencing Musk. The actress, known for her sharp wit and comedic timing, appeared to take the situation in stride, but her words underscored the very real harm caused by online misinformation.
The fake casting rumor, which originated on a satirical website, gained traction after Musk’s comment, leading to a wave of vitriol directed at Edebiri. Disney, the studio behind the Pirates franchise, has yet to comment on the incident, but the fallout has reignited conversations about the power and responsibility of high-profile figures on social media.
Bill Burr to the Rescue?
Edebiri also shared a screenshot of comedian Bill Burr’s recent critique of Musk during an NPR Fresh Air interview, captioning it, “Bill Burr. Every time!” with a bullseye emoji. Burr, known for his no-holds-barred commentary, had lambasted Musk for his erratic behavior and influence, calling him “a guy who’s just rich and has a lot of time on his hands.”
The actress’s nod to Burr’s remarks added a layer of humor to the situation, but it also highlighted the broader criticism Musk has faced for his online antics. Edebiri’s ability to find levity in the chaos was further evident when she shared a private message from a friend joking that she should star in a Pirates film. “Wait no DEI, but I’ve changed my mind maybe we could make some money idk lmk,” Edebiri quipped, showcasing her trademark humor.
“Stop Making My IG Stories News!”
Despite the seriousness of the threats she faced, Edebiri seemed determined to keep things light. In a follow-up post, she playfully scolded the media for turning her Instagram stories into headlines. “Stop making my IG stories news,” she wrote. “I’m just tryna have a silly goofy time.”
The actress’s ability to balance humor with the gravity of the situation has only endeared her further to fans, who have rallied behind her during awards season. Edebiri, who has been a red carpet standout and critical darling, continues to rise as one of Hollywood’s most captivating talents—both on and off the screen.
What’s Next for Edebiri?
As the dust settles on this latest social media storm, one thing is clear: Ayo Edebiri is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s winning awards, ruling the red carpet, or navigating the pitfalls of online fame, she does it with a unique blend of wit, grace, and resilience. And while she may not be joining Jack Sparrow on the high seas anytime soon, her star is undoubtedly on the rise—silly goofy times and all.
